Machine Woven Carpets

Machine woven carpets are typically produced on a loom, in a similar way to woven cloth, and highly intricate patterns can be created using this method. Although this style of carpet is generally more expensive than more modern styles, many believe that the carpet's durability, performance and underfoot qualities more than make up for this.

Two of the most famous machine-woven carpets are Axminster and Wilton.

Axminster

This Axminster method of manufacture was introduced into the UK during the mid 19th Century. It is a machine woven process, during which both the cloth (front) and the back (backing) of the carpet are woven simultaneously. Each individual yarn colour that goes to make up the carpet pattern (in many cases modern Axminster Carpets are often plain, requiring only one yarn colour) is selected by a gripper and woven with the weft. After the required yarn colour has been woven into the backing it is cut automatically to the required pile height and then reinserted when this colour is next required.

As the individual pieces of yarn or tufts of carpet are woven with the weft, an Axminster carpet provides quality, longevity and durability (better hold than carpet placed on pre-made backing) as well as a luxurious feel underfoot.

Wilton

Wilton was the original weaving process, producing primarily plain carpet. However developments over the centuries have allowed for further colours to be introduced to the process. Whereas Axminster yarn is woven into each weft and then cut to the required pile height and then reinserted when that colour is needed again, the Wilton carpet yarn is a continuous strand woven all the way through.

To find out more about the qualities of both Axminster and Wilton carpets, check out the Carpet Types and Materials section.